In a significant blow to President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, Democrat megadonors have frozen $90 million in pledges to Future Forward, the leading pro-Biden super PAC. This drastic move follows Biden’s recent press conference, which failed to alleviate concerns about his political viability. During the press conference, Biden’s frequent gaffes and moments of confusion, including mistakenly referring to Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump,” only deepened the worries among Democrats.
This development has prompted a wave of new calls from within the Democratic Party for Biden to consider stepping down. As of now, 18 House Democrats have publicly urged Biden to withdraw from the race, a number that grew by three immediately following the press conference. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT) expressed a common sentiment among Democrats, stating that Biden’s continued candidacy threatens the party’s chances in not only the presidential race but also in maintaining control of the Senate and the House.
Additionally, behind-the-scenes concerns from influential Democrats like former President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have further fueled speculation about Biden’s future. While Obama has maintained a low profile, reports suggest he may be quietly influencing efforts to encourage Biden to step aside. This theory was bolstered by a recent New York Times op-ed by actor George Clooney, who has close ties to Obama and called for Biden to withdraw.
The suspension of the $90 million in donations highlights the critical state of Biden’s campaign. As internal pressures mount and influential figures voice their concerns, the Democratic Party is at a crossroads. The next steps will be crucial in determining whether Biden remains the nominee or if the party will pivot to a new candidate in hopes of securing victory in the 2024 election.
